Salon International de l'Auto Genève

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Soon after SIHH ends in late January, the PalExpo in Geneva begins to undergo a dramatic transformation: from a temple to the fantastical world of luxury watches to a temple to the fantastical world of automobiles. In both cases, the wealth on display is staggering. That's here the similarities end, however. SIHH is far more refined while the auto show is higher energy and an order of magnitude more crowded. Both are a lot of fun to experience.

Yesterday, Andrew and I spent the day wandering the enormous exhibition halls, viewing the best that the world's automakers have to offer. Though it was difficult, I managed to drag Andrew away from the Kia display so that we could view some lowly Germans and Italians.

We had a great time enjoying the camaraderie engendered by this wonderful forum.

It was a beautiful day. By the time I took this photo from my balcony, Andrew was already on the train winding his way through the Valais. I joined him at the stop in Vevey.

This being Europe, on arriving at PalExpo we were required to have pains au chocolat.

When we arrived, the crowd wasn't too bad. By mid-afternoon, one could hardly move.

We made a quick tour of the greatest hits (Porsche, MB, Audi, BMW, Aston Martin) before heading to see the real objects of our desire - the Italians. Curiously, it appears that MB color designers worked previously for a highlighter manufacturer.

Because Andrew knows people in very high places, we were given the VIP treatment and allowed to walk the hallowed ground of the Ferrari and Maserati booths. What is making Andrew so happy?

The new La Ferrari. Yours in any color you want as long as it's red, and for only $1.5M.

I opted instead for the much more reasonably priced F12, a relative bargain at about $350K.

And, of course, the all important wrist shots. Me and my Yacht Club in the F12. I like how it says "Ferrari" in the instrument cluster, just in case you forget where you are.

And Andrew in the nicest car at the show -- the Maserati Gran Turismo -- with his Laureus VC Inge.

Last time I got in a low slung car like that, it was a BMW sports model whose model number I don't even remember. I thought they were going to need a crane to get me back out. The pretty young sales girl looked at my wife and said "don't worry - that happens to all the old guys who get in it". Ouch!

Great photos, David. Looks like you guys had a great time. And the scenery .... both inside the hall and out!